Rock Island arms .38 special revolver, good ? or not ?

[SASS#23149]

Our local big box variety store sells firearms,and yesterday I saw this revolver at a very attractive price, ...less then 240.00.

I know their 1911's get good reviews, how about this revolver,say for target work and general shooting. ?

 

[Dan-O]

Yes, good. I'd get the 2" any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[Catpop]

Anyone have a pic?

 

[Dan-O]

 

[Sarge7402]

These are close copies of the last Colt Detective Specials. Grips can be a bit on the small side. the one I had (4") shot very nicely with any reasonable .38 factory load

 

[hAkron]

Rock Island is a solid company. This gun won't have the build quality of a Colt DS or a S&W J-frame, but for what it is and what it costs, you will get a reasonably good gun from a company with an excellent reputation for standing behind their products.

 

[bikerdoc]

A no frills, solid, inexpensive, revolver that works.

 

[Stumper]

Dittos to the things already said. An excellent value for money. Grips for the Colt Detective special will fit.

 

[Tallball]

My friend almost bought one recently at a gun show. It was a 4", used in very nice condition. The trigger felt pretty good. They only wanted $180 for it. When he came back ten minutes later it was already gone.

 

[HankC]

The finish is not as refined as other brands, expect machine marks here and there. You can get a Taurus for $50-70 more if you want a 2" model, but Taurus warranty does not cover shipping and handgun shipping is expensive! Buy it for RIA Life Time Warranty and excellent customer service. I have a 4".

 

[rswartsell]

The idea that you get what you pay for is fully active here. A good budget gun?

Yes, I think so. Safe and reliable. Good choice? Depends, If you can afford the additional expense for S&W or Colt quality and precision?

Probably not.

 

[rswartsell]

Are you looking for an "expendable" weapon? A back up?

OK I get it. For what a gun such as this usually useful for? If you do a side by side comparison of either Smith or Colt (maybe a few more), it won't seem good enough anymore.

 

[danez71]

They have those near me at a normal price of $250 and I've been curious but never held one.


Per Amscors site

OTHER FEATURES


Trigger Pull
11.5-13 lbs / 5.22-5.89 kg

I'm not sure thats a feature


How usable is that trigger?

Can anything be cheaply done to make it better?

 

[WVGunman]

Can anything be cheaply done to make it better?

Divorce. Funerals.

How usable is that trigger?

There's nothing special or expensive about a good trigger pull. The best I've ever experienced was on a 40-year-old Miroku .38 that had never been fired when I bought it ... for $175. Smooth as butter.

 

[mrdeltoid]

I've never fired, but have held and dry-fired, one of these Rock Island .38's. The comparison to a Colt Detective Special (which I have owned and fired) is accurate in terms of shape and weight. The Rock Island .38 I looked at seemed to lack some fit and finish but was otherwise probably a decent low-cost revolver.

 

[jstert]

i have a couple of taurus 38 snubbies that i like, although one had to go back to the factory to be made right. im looking at the rock island 4" 38sp because i want a longer barrel for a bedside or under winter jacket ccw piece. i see used s&w and new ria for about the same price on gb.com. based on what im reading im leaning to the new ria. am i wrong?

 

[Kiln]

They're good guns. Crap finish. Not much else to say. They work well, I had one for years and it was always reliable. My brother uses it as a HD gun now.

In their price range there aren't too many competitors. You have to add $50-80 to get a Taurus.

 

[spur0701]

What's the return policy for Rock Island and Taurus as far as paying shipping? I know I had an issue with a new Taurus 738 and Taurus sent me a pre-paid UPS label for the box, and paid for return shipping, does RIA do the same? I know some places pay the shipping back but I rememebr having the pay to ship it in (Riger on a recall on a P85 back in the day).....or I know EAA you have to pay both ways.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

What's the return policy for Rock Island and Taurus as far as paying shipping?

Not sure about RIA, Taurus say less than a year old, they pay the ship. I've heard a couple people had to fight with then about that on a 5 month old purchase.

 

[gotboostvr]

I seem to remember these are not +P rated.
Can anyone confirm?

 

[denster]

The revolvers are +P rated. This is from direct contact with the factory not a guess.

 

[gotboostvr]

Thanks Denster, good to know.

I seem to recall a recent Colt DS clone was being made that was not +P rated but forget which one.

 

[SeanSw]

Last I knew these were not +p rated so maybe that has changed. They're pretty chunky for having a short barrel as I recall. I have no personal experience with them but for $260 I would probably opt for the Taurus ultralite 5 shot .38 currently available at Bud's if ccw was your interest.

 

[Catpop]

I just got a return aurhorization # from Rossi/Tarus. I have to send one back. They said you pay shipping to us at Miami Lakes, FL. We pay shipping back to you. Turn around 3-5weeks. Lifetime repair warranty on parts and labor.
Just for onfo, catpop

 

[Mman]

Is the lockwork inside the same as colt or is it differently designed?

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